Bishop Michael addressed his first Diocesan Synod on Saturday, 26 November, saying, after his “extraordinary” installation, “he has finally, lockstock and barrel arrived as Bishop of Bath & Wells”.
He reflected on the time he has already spent getting to know the diocese since September, including meeting with deaneries and taking part in the recent Financial Conversations with people from across the diocese over Zoom.
Reflecting on the period of Bible study he undertook when meeting with clergy and lay people in the deaneries, John Chapter 6 on the feeding of the five thousand in, he asked Synod, “Do we see ourselves defined by what we’ve not got – that we’re skint, declining, uncertain. Or do we see it through the lens of what we’ve got, understand ourselves as people chosen by God, full of ingenuity and creativity, trusted by the communities in which we’re found, blessed with resources of wonderful people, beautiful buildings and a rich history?”
Closing his address he said, “Today, as your new bishop, I am asking to come with me. Take my hand. And let’s step into a world of faith and trust. A world where we reach out to Jesus, confident that he has more than enough strength and resource to meet our every need.”
Following Bishop Michael’s address, Synod took time to discuss strategy and how we can continue to ‘live and tell the story of Jesus’. They were asked to think about how we can make the change we want to see and consider ‘what good looks like’ in our parishes, chaplaincies and schools and in the in the communities of our diocese.
Before hearing an update from Sara Emmett, Diocesan Environmental Adviser, on the diocese’s environmental plan, Bishop Michael shared the news that the Diocese of Bath and Wells has been awarded Eco Diocese status, calling it “A great step to have taken and a real encouragement”. Via a video message, Emma Brown, diocesan Buildings Adviser said, “All our parishes, all of us, have a part in helping us achieve our target and the first thing I want to ask parishes to do is to make sure they have completed the Energy Footprint Tool.”
Synod then heard from Ian Theodoreson, Chair of the Diocesan Board of Finance presented the budget which was approved by Synod.
In his closing prayer, Bishop Michael gave thanks for the return to health and ministry of Bishop Peter Hancock, the 79th Bishop of Bath and Wells.
